Nuclear Plant to Shutter as Gustav Looms

A nuclear power plant near New Orleans notified federal regulators that it intends to shut down on Sunday as a precaution because of the approach of Hurricane Gustav, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission announced.

The Waterford plant, operated by Entergy Nuclear Operations Inc., is located about 20 miles west of New Orleans. The NRC will have to approve the restart of the facility.

“We are taking this situation very seriously and closely coordinating with the nuclear power plants that are potentially in the storm’s path,” said NRC Chairman Dale Klein in a statement. “We are confident in the plants’ ability to withstand tremendous natural forces, but that does not diminish our responsibility to assist the licensees should that be necessary to protect public health and safety. — Siobhan Hughes in Washington.